MINUTES OF THE PRAIRIE REGION COUNCIL 5 Calgary Downtown Suites January 28 & 29, 2011

Transcription

1 Present: Sister Robyn Benson, REVP Prairies Sister Marianne Hladun, Alt REVP Brother Satinder Bains, Racially Visible Rep Brother Shaun Brennand, Regina Area Council Rep Sister Joanne Chelick, Northern Alberta Rep Sister Tanya Galenzoski, RWC Rep Brother Alec Goertzen, Calgary Area Council Rep Brother Timothy Hunt, GLBT Rep Sister Nancy Johnson, Northern Saskatchewan Rep Brother Glen Johnston, NW Manitoba Rep Brother Chad Kemery, Youth Rep Sister Nina Kiviluoma, Edmonton Area Council Rep Brother Kevin King, South Alberta Rep Brother Frank Lloyd, Persons with Disabilities Rep Sister Fran Mohr, Directly Chartered Locals Rep Sister Susan Norman, Westman Area Council Rep Brother Gerry Pendulak, SE Manitoba Rep Brother Matt Tijani, Winnipeg Area Council Rep Brother Gerald Wiegers, Prince Albert Area Council Rep Brother Clint Wirth, Separate Employers Rep Sister Pat Davis, Regional Coordinator Prairies Brother Jeffrey Vallis, Political Communications Officer Prairies Sister Alison Davis, EA to REVP Prairies Regrets: Brother Rahil Ahmad, Southern Saskatchewan Rep Sister Alisha Bigelow, Aboriginal Rep Sister Jackie Nettleton, Saskatoon Area Council Rep Brother David Pearson, Lethbridge Area Council Rep

2 1. Call to Order: January 28, 2011 The meeting was called to order by Sister Robyn Benson at 9:00 am. 2. Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted. 3. Hours of Session The hours of session were adopted. 4. Previous Minutes The following minutes were circulated and approved: a) September 23 & 24, 2010 b) December 15, 2010 Teleconference 5. Finances The January 1 December 31, 2010 Financial Statement was approved and is attached at Appendix A. 6. Reports of Elected PRC Officers: The following reports were circulated and approved by the Council and can be found at Appendix B: REVP Alternate REVP Northern Alberta Rep Southern Alberta Rep Northern SK Rep South East Manitoba Rep North West Manitoba Rep Winnipeg AC Rep Westman AC Rep Prince Albert AC Rep Saskatoon AC Rep Regina AC Rep Edmonton AC Rep Calgary AC Rep Lethbridge AC Rep Directly Chartered Locals Rep Aboriginal Peoples Rep Persons with Disabilities Rep GLBT Rep Racially Visible Persons Rep Robyn Benson Marianne Hladun Jo Chelick Kevin King Nancy Johnson Gerry Pendulak Glen Johnston Matt Tijani Susan Norman Gerald Wiegers Jackie Nettleton Shaun Brennand Nina Kiviluoma Alec Goertzen David Pearson Fran Mohr Alisha Bigelow Frank Lloyd Timothy Hunt Satinder Bains

3 7. Convention The Council discussed and debated resolutions to put forward at the Prairie Region Convention in June 2011 as well as budgets, Convention agenda and Convention committees and banner. Appendix C. Order of the Day Roundtable discussion Treasury Board ratification votes Reg 15 Task Force Parks Bargaining Conferece CLAC Regional Council addresses ADJOURNMENT

4 Appendix A: Proposed Actual to Variance Budget Date Revenues Transfer from PSAC Ottawa to Region $105, $191, $86, Bank Interest $1, $56.60 ($943.40) Misc. Income (1) 0 $2, $2, Total $106, $193, $87, Expenses PRC Meetings $65, $88, $23, Council Member Budgets $10, $3, $6, Special Projects/Donations $7, $5, $1, Equity Events $3, $2, $ Human Rights Committee Assistance $2, $2, $0.00 RWC Assistance $3, $3, $0.00 Area Council Assistance $8, $8, $0.00 Federation of Labour $4, $1, $3, Youth Outreach $3, $ $2, Bank Costs (2) $0.00 $ ($112.63) Total Expenses $106, $114, $8, Balance at December 31, 2010 $79, $8, Notes: (1) Repayment advance for A. Bigelow b. Reimbursment Winnipeg North Festive Social c. Reimbursement Staff hotel Jan PRC mtg d. Repayment advance J. Chelick (2) Cheque Re order

5 Appendix B: Prairie Region Council Rep Reports September 2010 Prairie Region Council Rep Reports January 2011: Position REVP Alternate REVP Northern Alberta Rep Southern Alberta Rep Northern SK Rep South East Manitoba Rep North West Manitoba Rep Winnipeg AC Rep Westman AC Rep Prince Albert AC Rep Saskatoon AC Rep Regina AC Rep Edmonton AC Rep Calgary AC Rep Lethbridge AC Rep Directly Chartered Locals Rep Aboriginal Peoples Rep Persons with Disabilities Rep GLBT Rep Racially Visible Persons Rep Name Robyn Benson Marianne Hladun Jo Chelick Kevin King Nancy Johnson Gerry Pendulak Glen Johnston Matt Tijani Susan Norman Gerald Wiegers Jackie Nettleton Shaun Brennand Nina Kiviluoma Alec Goertzen David Pearson Fran Mohr Alisha Bigelow Frank Lloyd Timothy Hunt Satinder Bains Late Report submitted by: Clint Wirth

6 Report of the Regional Executive Vice President, Prairies to the Prairie Region Council January 2011 After being approached by Treasury Board to engage in early exploratory talks on contracts that expire in 2011, PSAC agreed to enter into negotiations. The result was three tentative agreements that generated ratification vote meetings across the Canada throughout October and November. The members voted from coast to coast to coast and new collective agreements are in place. I traveled across the Prairies to attend as many of the meetings as possible, speaking at approximately 100 of the more than 200 meetings held. I was fortunate to have an incredible team of bargaining unit members who also spoke at meetings; Sister Michele Coe (PA), Brother Blair Winger (SV) and Brother Steve Van Opstal (SV). Brother John Gordon and Sister Patty Ducharme were able to join us at ratification meetings in Calgary, Red Deer and Winnipeg during that time. This period has also been an active one for our women s committees. In September I attended the Prairies Regional Women s Conference in Saskatoon, held under the theme Putting Our Passion Into Action. We had more than 70 delegates attend who participated in workshops to put their passion into action on the three issues including Women & Pensions, Child Care & Women and Mobilizing for Change. The following month I attended the PSAC National Women s Conference, held under the theme Fighting Back, Moving Forward. The conference allowed Sisters to develop analysis of the impact of federal government policies and cutbacks on women's equality and human rights and aimed to increase PSAC Sisters' involvement in the campaigns for federal pay equity, childcare, pensions and the defense of quality public services, as well as our involvement in coalitions working to defend and advance equality rights. Coming up, I have been invited as the guest speaker at the Lethbridge International Women s Day celebration on March 8, 2011, held under the theme Making a Difference. The celebration marks the 100 th anniversary of the IWD. The Racially Visible Conference Steering Committee has met to plan for the upcoming 2011 PSAC National Conference for Racially Visible Members, held under the theme United, Empowered, Fearless: Ready for Action! in Vancouver this April. The conference aims to empower and engage racialized members to take action and move the human rights agenda forward. In November, we held the first Young Workers in Action course in Edmonton with 20 course participants from across the Prairie Region. I participated in the Union Conversations session where youth members were able to chat informally with myself, Brother Chad Kemery, Sister Veronique Allard, Brother Jeffrey Vallis and Sister Carm Chan. Participants drafted an action plan through their notes taken during discussions on the last day of the course. Plans are under way for the Prairies Youth Initiative a youth conference in the spring of 2011.

7 I attended the EOC meeting at the end of November, at which we were privileged to have New Democrat LGBTT Critic Bill Siksay join us and speak to the Committee about his historic Private Member s Bill, Bill C 389, which would add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act and amend the hate crimes and sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada. The Bill will progress to a third reading in the coming months. We also have reason to celebrate in the Prairies, after a successful three month campaign to secure workers rights at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. We have been granted certification to represent all non managerial museum employees. Next steps for the Local include choosing an executive, setting up bylaws and bargaining their first collective agreement. Looking ahead, the coming months will be consumed with preparation for the 2011 Prairie Region Convention in Winnipeg. We look forward to hosting delegates from across the Prairies in Winnipeg on June 10 12, In Solidarity, Robyn Benson

8 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, PRAIRIES TO THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS October 5 8, 2010 This report covers the period from the last NBOD meeting. Regional Council The Prairie Region Council had a conference call August 9 to discuss the pending changes to the Prairies 2011 Convention. Unforeseen circumstances including space requirements, hotel availability and sharing the same month as the annual Farm Progress Show and grad season forced us to rethink our original plans and consider major changes. In consultation with PRC members, we made a collective decision to move Convention from Regina to the Fairmont Winnipeg. Since the Fairmont has hosted our Convention before, we are hoping that it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone. The new dates for the 2011 Prairies Regional Convention are Friday, June 11, 2011 to Sunday, June 12, During our PRC meeting, September 23 24, we moved ahead with planning, as the Convention date approaches. Casino Regina Strike During the Casino Regina strike this summer, members spent seven weeks on the picket line fighting for a fair and equitable collective agreement. Many of these members had never been on strike before, but the solidarity and enthusiasm of the group was unparalleled. One of the highlights from the strike was the rally at the Legislative Building. Almost every Union in the Province attended and offered words of encouragement, support and solidarity. Brother Paul Moist, CUPE National President, Brother Larry Hubich, President of the SFL and, of course, Brother John Gordon, our National President, walked the line, spoke to the members and offered words of encouragement and praise. The Casino members had countless supporters, from other PSAC Locals, Unions, friends, family, members of the public and Casino patrons. After seven weeks, we reached an agreement with SGC and our members returned to work with a new collective agreement that includes improved wages and benefits, mention of family leave and weekday night shift premiums. Area Outreach Members met with NDP MP Jim Maloway in Winnipeg to voice their concerns about Bill C 391. They discussed how important the long gun registry is to them for the safety of their communities and families, and also the proven benefits of the registry. Maloway, however, stressed that he has a position on this bill and that he will not be flipping his vote, unlike some of his colleagues. He plans to vote with Hoeppner on the elimination of the registry and will also vote in opposition of the Standing Committee s report.

9 Lethbridge Area Council has been working with the Lethbridge Food Bank in recent months on several projects such as a school supply drive and planting vegetables in a community garden at the Lethbridge research station to provide locally grown vegetables to the food bank. The Edmonton Area Council sponsored a float in the Capital Ex Parade on July 22 in support of protecting and ensuring quality public services. The float was decorated with displays of the services our members provide. Approximately 30 members from various components helped to decorate the float and participate in the parade. The Edmonton Committees held a Solidarity BBQ on June 19 to promote Think Public and to send a strong message to the Government that we are prepared to fight for our jobs, provide quality services and that we expect and demand a fair increase and fair compensation. The event was a huge success and attended by over 900 members. Calgary Area Council, Regional Women s Committee and the Human Rights Committee worked with the Calgary and District Labour Council to host the 2 nd annual Labour Day BBQ on September 6. The BBQ was a huge success. Brother Alec Goertzen was elected as the Area Council PRC Representative, replacing Brother Daniel Curotte who has left the PSAC. Empowering Equality At a recent meeting the Calgary HRC invited a guest speaker from Calgary Handibus, which lead to the Committee s involvement in the Rides and Rods handibus fundraising event. Our members are assisting in various activities including awareness raising and fund raising. Our members were present at the Pride Parades and events planned in our Region. We supported Heterophobia, a play during Calgary Pride which aims to engage the community in dialogue about homophobia and The Laramie Project, the true story of the homophobic murder of Matthew Sheppard, during Winnipeg Pride week. Sisters in Solidarity Our Sisters were involved in the No Stone Unturned fundraising concert in support of missing and murdered women in Manitoba; Saskatoon hosted our 2010 Regional Women s Conference under the theme, Putting Our Passion Into Action. We had more than 70 delegates attend. We were very pleased to have as guest speakers, Women and Pensions Irene Mathyssen MP Federal NDP critic for the Status of Women, Child Care & Women Ann McCrorie, Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada Saskatchewan Representative and Mobilizing for Change Pat Atkinson NDP MLA Saskatoon Nutana. After the panel presentations, the Sisters participated in workshops to put their passion into action on the three issues. Sisters participated in a mock convention including convention committees. Of course, we also signed Bill C 391 postcards, urging NDP MPs to change their vote and keep the gun registry. The Winnipeg RWC s annual Adopt a Box school supply drive has been the biggest success yet. They ve already received $1225 in donations from Winnipeg Locals, some of which have been using some rather ingenious ways to collect donations. One Local ran a Pennies for Pencils campaign over the summer and collected $405.The RWC used the money to purchase 13 boxes of school supplies, including crayons, pencils, markers, erasers, rulers, scribblers, paper, duo tangs, pencil cases, etc.

10 On September 24, volunteers from PSAC Winnipeg Locals and the Winnipeg RWC were at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers gates collecting more school supply donations from Bomber fans. All monies raised at the game are donated to the inner city school lunch programs. In Calgary, the RWC took the lead on canvassing for donations for the Casino Regina School supply drive and raised several hundred dollars. Sisters in Saskatoon participated in the Walk for Justice, in support of missing and murdered women. They also handed out Think Public material, alongside the members of the Area Council at the Public Service Appreciation Week BBQ on June 18. Looking Ahead We ve received approval from the Social Justice Fund for several anti poverty initiatives, which will be executed throughout the next year. A few of these projects are: Build the Power of Youth, in support of the Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop in Saskatoon; Project Mobility, a campaign to raise awareness about access to public transportation for persons with disabilities in Calgary; Ma mawi wi chi itata Centre, which provides support to Aboriginal families in the Winnipeg area; Brandon Homelessness Committee, to support low income or homeless persons in the Brandon area. Respectfully submitted, Robyn Benson, Regional Executive Vice President Prairies

11 REVP Prairies Activities May 14 AEC Conference Call May 16 Travel to Ottawa May 17 UPCE Conference Call May EOC Meeting May 20 Travel to Winnipeg May 25 Travel to Regina Casino Regina Conference Call May 25 Casino Regina Strategy Committee Meeting May 26 Executive Strike Prep May 27 Local Strike Prep May 27 Regina Leadership Fightback Meeting May 28 Travel to Winnipeg May 28 Bargaining Strategy Committee Conference Call May 30 Travel to Ottawa May 31 AEC Meeting June 1 3 NBoD Meetings June 4 5 National Access Conference June 5 Travel to Regina June 5 7 Casino Regina Strike June 7 Travel to Winnipeg June 8 Regional Committee Allocation Conference Calls / Prairie Region Women s Steering Committee Conference Call June 9 Casino Regina Conference Call June 13 Travel to Edmonton June Northern Alberta Local visits AGR 30045, CEIU 30853, UNDE 30902, USGE June 17 Travel to Ottawa June 18 UTE EO Conference June 18 Travel to Winnipeg June 22 Winnipeg Fightback Meeting / CLC Prairie Coordinator & MB Rep Meeting June 22 Travel to Regina June 23 Casino Regina Strike and Strategy Meeting June 24 Travel to Halifax June Maritime Women s Conference (Antigonish) June 27 Travel to Ottawa June AEC Meetings June 29 Travel to Winnipeg June 30 Casino Regina Conference Call / SFL Conference Call July 6 UTE Local Ice cream day July 7 Travel to Regina July 7 Meeting with PRC RWC Rep / Casino Regina Strike July 8 Casino Regina Rally / Meeting with NDP Caucus July 9 Travel to Winnipeg July 13 Casino Regina Strike Conference Call July 14 Casino Regina Strike Conference Call

12 July 15 Travel to Regina July 15 Casino Regina Membership Meeting July 15 Travel to Winnipeg July 19 Travel to Regina July Casino Regina Strike July 24 Casino Regina Ratification Vote July 25 Travel to Winnipeg August 9 AEC Meeting August 9 PRC Conference Call August 11 CEIU Fightback Meetings Winnipeg August Prairie Region Bylaws Meeting August 14 Travel to Saskatoon August National Component Human Rights Conference August 15 Travel to Winnipeg August 19 Local Meeting CEIU Local August 31 UPCE Conference Call

13 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, PRAIRIES TO THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS February 1 4, 2011 This report covers the period from the last NBOD meeting. Regional Review October and November were especially busy months with the ratification vote meetings. I traveled across the Prairies to attend as many of the meetings as possible, speaking at approximately 100 of the more than 200 meetings held across the region. I was fortunate to have an incredible team of bargaining unit members. Special thanks go to Sister Michele Coe (PA), Brother Blair Winger (SV) and Brother Steve Van Opstal (SV) for their tireless efforts. Thanks also to Brother John Gordon and Sister Patty Ducharme for travelling to the Prairies to speak at several meetings. Our members very much appreciated the opportunity to hear from the National President and National Executive Vice President. We are very excited to be actively organizing in the Prairies again, with one successful campaign completed and more in the works. After a three month campaign to secure workers rights, we are happy to welcome new members at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. We have been granted certification to represent all non managerial museum employees. Next steps for the Local include choosing an executive, setting up bylaws and bargaining their first collective agreement. In November, we held the first Young Workers in Action course in Edmonton with 20 course participants from across the Prairie Region. I participated in the Union Conversations session where youth members were able to chat informally with myself, Brother Chad Kemery, Sister Veronique Allard, Brother Jeffrey Vallis and Sister Carm Chan. Participants drafted an action plan through their notes taken during discussions on the last day of the course. Plans are under way for the Prairies Youth Initiative a youth conference in the spring of Compassionate Learning Over the past few months, committees throughout the Prairie Region embraced equity education to help in their mobilization efforts and learn more about community organizations. Calgary HRC had a presentation from the Calgary Disability Action Hall, a group of people with disabilities and allies who tell stories, take action and change lives. A discussion was held after with a brainstorming session on how the HRC could support and assist the work of the Disability Action Hall. Saskatoon RWC attended OXFAM presentations on women's rights with a speaker from Afghanistan who was a news reporter and activist, but had to flee her country 20 years ago when her husband was killed by government soldiers because of her work. They also attended a presentation on women's equality that included what s next for women as citizens and their role in electing like minded women to move the agenda forward on health care, universal child care, pensions, and homelessness and poverty for women.

14 Pensions remained at the forefront of members concerns as the Saskatoon RWC and Calgary AC participated in presentations and meetings to learn and discuss ideas. The holiday celebrations at the various regional offices offered attendees an opportunity to learn about some local charities, including presentations from AIDS Saskatoon in Saskatoon and the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre in Winnipeg. Social Conscience Agriculture members from the Lethbridge AC, together with members from Local at the Lethbridge Research Centre, created and maintained the Lethbridge Food Banks Garden. Using 3,900 square feet of gardening space donated from the Research Centre, volunteers produced 2,079.5 pounds of healthy, fresh vegetables valued at approximately $4,159 which was donated to the Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank. Area Council members from Saskatoon participated in the annual Habitat for Humanity build. The members spent the day hauling dirt and gravel to fill in around the foundation of the home. Although the work was quite physical and draining, the members found it to be a rewarding experience. The Edmonton HRC volunteered at Community Options, a society for children and families, festive dinner to feed a large number of people turkey dinner that might not otherwise have it. The community centre was very appreciative of their assistance. Edmonton s AC focused their time to fundraise for Homeless Connect, a community event that brings together agencies, businesses and volunteers to provide a range of services which can help homeless people out of homelessness. The AC collected four large boxes of toiletries from PSAC members and staff during their travels, made a financial donation to the project and volunteered at the event to hand out supplies. In Calgary, the HRC worked on "Project Mobility", a campaign to raise awareness of the government s plans to charge employees for parking and the effect it will have on workers with disabilities. The campaign, supported by the Social Justice Fund, also promotes Calgary Handibus and the work they do. The HRC has developed and printed promotional postcards and will distribute those over the coming months. Area Activism PSAC was represented at a demonstration organized by the AFL to meet finance ministers from across the country and influence their CPP platforms as they arrived at the Calgary airport for their meeting in Kananaskis. Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan dressed as Santa Claus with all his CPP supporting elves handing out candy canes adorned with the CLC s CPP three step plan. For the nice ministers supportive of the CPP plan, Santa had gifts. But for the naughty ministers, only lumps of coal. Members from the Prince Albert & District AC and RWC lobbied MP Randy Hoback to discuss severance, pensions, childcare and plans to relocate staff within the Pay & Benefits Departments to Miramichi. Apparently his position was that there was no plan to deliberately cut public service jobs

15 and that his government will not endorse a country wide childcare program. We will continue to discuss the issues with him so that he can see the error of his ways when it comes to childcare. The Prince Albert AC also coordinated a flyer to promote public services. The two sided informational flyer outlines what our members do and how those jobs and services affect the residents of Prince Albert. The flyer asks, Which of these services could you live without? The Winnipeg AC organized a mail out during the municipal election to inform members of the labour friendly candidates in the running and the positions the mayoral candidates took on some important issues. They called on members to endorse candidates who are positive influences for working families. Sisters in Solidarity The final results from Winnipeg RWC s successful school supply drive have been determined. Sisters on the committee worked collectively to collect 30 boxes of school supplies for Winnipeg School Division #1. The supplies were divided between 40 of the 70 schools in that division, providing almost 60 per cent of the schools in that division with the supplies they needed for their students. All monies raised were donated to the elementary school lunch programs at two different inner city schools. Sisters in Winnipeg, with the help of PSAC members and staff, also collected toiletries over the past few months while on their travels. RWC members put together 153 individually wrapped packages containing shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothbrush and dental floss, which were donated to the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre McGregor Community Care Site. The packages are provided to community members and families who need them. Saskatoon s RWC organized their 2 nd annual AIDS Saskatoon clothing drive to provide warm clothing, toiletries and cash to help make the cold winter a little easier for people living with AIDS. Sisters collected and donated toys, gift cards, toiletries, bedding, winter clothing, shoes and men's clothing. Items were presented to AIDS Saskatoon at the PSAC Saskatoon holiday celebration. For the National Day of Remembrance and Action for Violence Against Women, the Edmonton RWC held a vigil and invited various guest speakers from the AFL, EDLC, PAAFE, HSSA, EPS and Changing Together. Sisters from the Saskatoon RWC also attended the Dec. 6 candlelight vigil in their respective area. Sisters from Saskatoon s AC and RWC attended the National Farmers Union Convention earlier this month where they set up a PSAC booth and spoke to convention delegates to highlight PSAC members contributions to protecting the environment and distribute information on the Food Safety First campaign. Looking Ahead The Calgary RWC has been actively planning the celebration of the 100 th anniversary of International Women s Day (IWD) with several other women s groups. The RWC will write and perform in a narrative skit titled "Women of the Decades" portraying what women have accomplished around the world and in our communities and the limitations women still face today. I have been invited to be the guest speaker at the Lethbridge IWD celebration under the theme Making a Difference on March 5, 2011.

16 Preparation and planning for our 2011 Triennial Regional Convention continue and we look forward to hosting delegates from across the Prairies in Winnipeg on June 10 12, Respectfully submitted, Robyn Benson, Regional Executive Vice President Prairies

17 REVP Prairies Activities September 8 AEC Conference Call September 9 Travel to Saskatoon September 10 Prairies Regional Women s Conference 12 September 12 Travel to Winnipeg September 13 AEC Meeting via Conference Call September 13 NBoD Meeting via Conference Call September 14 AEC Meeting via Conference Call September 15 Education Conference Call September 15 PRC Conference Call September 18 Travel to Ottawa September18 Treasury Board Negotiations 22 September 22 Education Conference Call September 22 Travel to Edmonton September 23 PRC Meeting Edmonton 24 September 25 Travel to Ottawa Treasury Board Negotiations October 3 September 27 EOC Conference Call October 4 AEC Meeting October 5 7 NBoD Meeting October 7 Travel to Winnipeg October 12 Travel to Ottawa October 13 Racially Visible Conference Steering Committee Meeting October 14 Travel to Winnipeg October 18 AEC Conference Call October 19 NBoD Conference Call October 19 AGM Stony Mountain October 20 AEC Conference Call October 20 Dental Board Conference Call October 20 Travel to Ottawa October 21 RV Conference Co Chair Meeting October 22 National Women s Conference 24 October 25 NAT Local Meeting Winnipeg October 27 TB Ratification Meetings Winnipeg October 27 AGM UTE Local October 28 TB Ratification Meeting Morden via Conference Call October 28 AGM UTE Local October 29 TB Ratification Meetings Winnipeg November 1 Travel to Regina November 1 TB Ratification Meetings Regina November 2 Travel to Saskatoon November 3 TB Ratification Meetings Dundurn, Saskatoon

18 November 4 November 5 November 5 November 8 November 9 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 17 Novenber 18 November 19 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 23 Novenber 24 November 25 November 29 November 30 November 30 December 2 December 3 December 3 December 6 7 December 9 December 9 December 12 December 13 December 13 December 14 December 15 TB Ratification Meetings Melfort, Prince Albert TB Ratification Meetings North Battleford Travel to Winnipeg TB Ratification Meetings Winnipeg TB Ratification Meetings Winnipeg, Brandon TB Ratification Meetings Selkirk TB Ratification Meetings Winnipeg Travel to Edmonton Young Workers in Action Course Travel to Calgary TB Ratification Meetings Calgary TB Ratification Meetings Calgary TB Ratification Meetings Calgary Travel to Edmonton TB Ratification Meetings Edmonton TB Ratification Meetings Edmonton Travel to Winnipeg Travel to Regina TB Ratification Meetings Swift Current, Maple Creek TB Ratification Meetings Fort Qu Appelle, Regina Casino Regina After Strike Committee Meeting/Ratification Meetings Travel to Winnipeg Travel to Ottawa AEC Conference Call EOC Meeting Education Reference Committee Meeting Travel to Winnipeg PRC Bylaw Committee Co Chair Meeting Education Reference Committee Meeting via Videoconferencing Saskatoon Airport Stategy Conference Call Travel to Ottawa AEC Meeting Mint Strategy Meeting AEC Meeting PRC Conference Call

19 Marianne Hladun, A/REVP Report to the Prairie Region Council January 2011 Due to technical difficulties, exact dates not indicated (blackberry calendar deleted itself again!) MEMBER MOBILIZATION Attended Saskatoon Regional Womens Committee meeting Attended Saskatoon & District Area Council meeting Attended PSAC Open House, Dec. 16/10 Will be attending the Resolution Writing workshop at the Saskatoon RO in Jan POLITICAL/COMMUNITY ACTION Continue to attend monthly meetings of the Saskatoon & Area United Way Board of Directors as a Labour representative and participate on the Human Resources Sub committee of the Board. Inside scrutineered for Saskatoon Northwest Provincial By election Participated in a youth activist Community Leadership Forum sponsored by NextUp. The NextUp program brings together youth activists for weekly events. This evening forum brought together NextUp participants with community activists from many organizations and unions for a general discussion on what opportunities are available in our local community.. PRC Participated in PRC Conference call regarding TB votes Attended the National Farmers Union Convention & Banquet in Saskatoon in Dec and worked the PSAC display booth with PRC reps Nancy Johnson, Jackie Nettleton and Regional Rep Louise Mardell. SFL Attended Executive Council meeting and Annual Convention. Participate in and co chair the SFL Political Strategy Committee. Several meetings held to continue progress on the Labour Issues Campaign. Effective Dec. 10, will be Chair of the committee. Continue to participate in an Organizing Network brought together by the Political Strategy Committee to assist unions in Sask. in discussing organizing difficulties and the strategic move by CLAC to now be recognized in our province.

20 Jo Chelick Northern Alberta Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Since September have attended the AFL Environment meetings (latest one November 30 th ) and we were working on the resolutions that needed to be completed before the end of November. We will be getting together in January to go over the drafts and make sure that they are worded correctly. One of the main issues is the up and coming power lines and it seems that a new addition coming our way is the Mackenzie Pipeline. UTE had to ratify their collective agreement and the Edmonton local had an all day event (October 20 th ) that called upon our members to attend the summary and then vote. The numbers were low but at least they came to vote. Attended the advanced loat course November 5 to 7 th and as usual the course was great Shane did a great job as usual. November 26 th met the A/C Cheryl Bartell (similar speech as previous) December 6 th Day of Mourning and at CP there was a special presentation as well as displays. It is sad to say that the turnout was very poor but again it usually is unless there is someone or something that is outstanding to get the public s attention. Missed some meetings because of prior commitments but hoping to attend them after the New Year. Although brief here is my report to end of the year. Submitted by J Chelick Northern Alberta Rep.

21 Sisters and Brothers, Kevin King Southern Alberta Geographical Representative Prairie Region Council January 2011 I submit this report in accordance with my duties on the Prairie Regional Council (PRC) found within the Bylaws of PSAC Prairie Region (Bylaw 6, Section 3). The report covers the period of September 22, 2010 to January 6, The PRC met between September 22 nd and September 24 th, in Edmonton. As this was my first occasion to meet with the PRC since acclimation (May 2010), this was an opportunity to take the oath of office and commence responsibilities formally. The PRC debated directions with respect to the upcoming Prairie Convention, and moved this venue to Winnipeg, from Regina, owing to what can best be described as a hotel in Regina not being able to secure hosting such a convention within union principled and specific parameters. A decision was made to change the venue in June 2011 to Winnipeg, as to not conflict with our Convention of any other PSAC Region. Although it was Saskatchewan s turn, to host Prairie Convention, that turn is not explicitly detailed within the existing bylaws. Owing to such a large potential delegate/observer/guest capacity of such a Convention, this Convention may be difficult to rotate between Provinces every three years, owing to the small number of unionized facilities in Alberta as an example. A bigger concern appears to be the proposal of a full funding formula for the PSAC Regional Convention structure across all 7 Regions of the PSAC. Each PSAC Region has 7 differing methodologies to arrive at their respective delegate entitlement. Our region has 1 delegate per 100 local members, or portion thereof, and the adoption this formula across 7 of the PSAC regions is logistically next to undoable in some regions. In order for PSAC Triennial Convention to consider to fully fund its Regional Conventions, (as compared to reliance on Locals/Components/Individual delegates), the fully funded delegate formula will have to change. This matter will be a Constitutional amendment at PSAC Triennial Convention. This means that a new funding formula has to get 2/3 of concurrence of the voting delegation at our upcoming Prairie Convention and sent on to the PSAC Triennial Convention for deliberations in Collective Bargaining:

22 Treasury Board bargaining Units obtained a settlement at the PA, SV and EB units by a very slim margin. As an observer of some of the meetings in Calgary, obvious things were apparent, such as the lack of participation of the members. Nationally, only half of these bargaining units voted, and just over half of each unit (52% at PA, 53% at SV, and 60%) at EB accepted the contract terms. In this communication age, and considering that voting on this matter is voting on the terms and conditions of employment across three of the largest bargaining units of PSAC, these results send a message that the average local members are not engaged. Even more alarming is the fact that the employer now knows, in the electronic public domain, that our members are not engaged. Even with the advent of electronic messaging and social media, almost half our members of those national bargaining units chose not to vote. I am concerned about our collective complacency on such an elemental issue such as bargaining. I am equally concerned about our apathy. The membership now has an expectation of a credit card (or business) model of trade unionism, as compared to the organizing model of collective resolve. Unions do not, and cannot function, without a collective resolve of all its membership. The above stated, I look forward for a healthy debate in our PSAC Regional Convention, and the Component Convention cycles of the PSAC s 17 Components. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin King Southern Alberta Geographical Representative PSAC Prairies

23 Nancy Johnson Northern SK Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 September Attended the Saskatoon Labour Day BBQ with PRC members Jackie and Marianne, RWC and AC members. The balloons and free giveaways from PSAC and CLC, the weather wasn t the best and the wind played havoc on our display and the turnout was much lower. It was a great opportunity to give back to the community. I was an active member of the Regional Women s Conference Organizing Committee and was selected to co facilitate a Pensions workshop. The conference was held in Saskatoon and was a huge success. It was great to show case the city. Deanna Kimball, Louise Mardell and Patty Pasloski were the PSAC staff that made sure it ran smoothly. Attended two vigils; Take Back the Night on September 21 st and Sisters in Spirit Vigil and March on September 28 th, along with members of Saskatoon RWC and Area Council. I was able to make contacts with community based organizations and OXFAM representatives on Human Rights issues so that I can set a path for the resurrection of the Saskatoon HR Committee and to enhance the activities of the RWC. Participated in PRC conference call on September 15 th PRC meetings held in Edmonton on September 24 & 25 th October During the evening of October 6 th I attended a workshop held by OXFAM Saskatoon Office and the following topics were discussed: *Introduction to Oxfam: A critical discussion about Oxfam s approach to change *Recognizing Power and Privilege: And now what? *Transformational Feminist Leadership: What is it and how can I use it in my activist work? *Working Together: What role do I play and how can I best contribute to the movement? *Building a Movement: What in the world does that mean? *Evaluating our Work: Stop Harming, Start Helping (a review of our 2009/10 campaign work) *Up and coming in Oxfam: Women s Rights and Food Justice (looking to a way forward) Attended the SFL/CLC lobby training on CPP s Pension Security for Everyone on October 7 th held the evening of October 7 th. Attended the National Women s Conference held October 24 th 26 th in Ottawa. Attended Ratification vote meetings for Treasury Board members held in Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

24 Participated as a panel speaker for the 40 th Anniversary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women on October 29 th. November Attended the following presentation: ORGANIZING FOR WOMENS SECURITY: AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE GOVERNOR GENERALS CONFERENCE ON WOMEN AND SECURITY Attended the SFL s Labour Issues Campaign Training on November 15 th in Saskatoon. Attended meetings held for RWC and Area Council on November 16 th in Prince Albert. Applied to SFL Education committee and was successful as the PSAC representative for a two year term. December Attended the National Farmers Union convention held December 2 nd 4 th in Saskatoon with PRC members Jackie and Marianne, and PSAC Rep Louise Mardell. PSAC had an information table and some cool giveaways. We kept very busy fielding questions about our Food Safe campaigns. Attended Violence against Women vigils held in Saskatoon at the U of S and YWCA on December 5 th and 6th PSAC Saskatoon Open House on December 9 th Sisters in Spirit panel discussion on December 10th PRC conference call on December 15 th. I look forward to the challenges ahead in 2011 and the Prairies Convention. Thank you Sister Johnson

25 Gerry Pendulak South East Manitoba Geographical Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 This report does not have a great deal of detail as all meetings were of an information gathering content. I was part of the PRC conference call that Robyn requested. I participated in the Conference call that Judy Shannon requested as part of the PRC Education Committee. I participated on a couple of conference calls that were put out to the host committee of the PSAC Prairie Region Conference this upcoming June. More details to follow. Respectfully submitted by Gerry Pendulak PSAC Southern MB. Geographical Rep Prairie Region Council Box 47 Grp 316 RR3 Selkirk MB R1A 2A8 Cell (204) Work Home pendulakg@mts.net Work Gerry.Pendulak@cra arc.gc.ca

26 Glen Johnston PRC Manitoba North West Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 The majority of the period leading up to the PRC meeting in January 2011 has been devoted to the review of the Prairie Region Bylaws and the Westman Area Council Bylaws. At the meeting in January all proposed changes to the Prairie Region Bylaws will need to be presented to the PRC so this has kept me fairly busy. In early December Susan and I met with Robyn and Pat to discuss resolutions for the proposed changes to the Prairie Region Bylaws. After two days of spirited discussions and intense writing, a new package was developed to present to the PRC in January. A further review revealed a need for a few more resolutions to be developed to ensure all proposed changes are addressed. In December and January I have also reviewed the Westman Area Council Bylaws in preparation for the AGM in February where the proposed changes will need to be presented, discussed and voted on. Respectfully submitted, Glen Johnston PRC Manitoba North West Rep

27 Matt Tijani Winnipeg Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Report from October 2010 December 2010 October I talked to our members about the ongoing collective bargaining contract negotiation. Encourage members to trust the Judgement of the negotiating team with regards to the Tentative Agreement. November 2010: I talked to membership about the Tentative Agreement. Re: Ratification Vote for PA group. Encourage members to go and vote on the Tentative Agreement. December, 2010: I participated in a conference call with regards to the ratification votes and update on new developments on the Convention planning. I attended Season s celebration organized by Human Rights Committee, Women s committee and Winnipeg Area council. In Solidarity Respectively submitted, Matt Tijani WAC PRC REP

28 Susan Norman Westman Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 We continue to hold Westman Area meetings and try and recruit members. We currently have three components that are interested in starting an Area Women s Committee. We will continue to pursue this and make it happen. I have participated on the PRC conference calls when available. I took part in the ratification vote that was held in Brandon. I have been attending the Brandon Labour Council Meetings on a regular basis to help promote our Area Council and the different campaigns that PRC is involved with such as the Pension Campaign and Pubic Service Campaign. The Westman Area Council donated to the Dauphin Food Bank, Helping Hands Soup Kitchen, Samaritan House, Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner, Brandon Christmas Cheer Board, BUSU and the Westman Women s Shelter. The Area Council has requested the membership to bring forward ideas for a social project in Westman Area in conjunction with the Anti poverty campaign. Dates: WMAC Meeting October 6, 2010 Ratification Vote November 4, 2010 Ratification Vote November 9, 2010 PRC By laws Meeting WPG December 6 & 7, 2010 WMAC Meeting December 8, 2010 Respectively submitted, Susan Norman WMAC PRC Representative

29 Gerald Wiegers Prince Albert & District Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 A meeting was held with Conservative MP Randy Hoback on November 9, 2010 with 3 Area Council Members, including myself as PRC Rep, and one retired Member present. Issues discussed with MP Hoback included: the current collective bargaining agreement, severance take away, pension plans, current plans by the Government to relocate Pay & Benefits staff to Quebec and the problems seen to be associated with this decision. Other issues discussed included retirement planning and difficulties related to effecting one s retirement, responding to widow s entitlement to spousal pension, possible public service member cuts and childcare options for working parents. November 16, 2010, a regular meeting of Prince Albert & District Area Council was held for which issues discussed included follow up from our Meeting with MP RandyHoback, the PSAC Triennial Convention in Winnipeg and delegate status, our fight back campaign and printing for our campaign fliers and eventual distribution to our Local Members and the Public. I was present for the ratification voting held in Prince Albert for all Locals and assisted wherein I was able. In Solidarity, Gerald Wiegers

30 Jackie Nettleton Saskatoon Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council 2011 As always the Saskatoon AC participated in the Saskatoon and District Labour Council s Labour Day Barbecue. We handed out helium balloons to the kids. We didn t have many other items from PSAC since the Regional Women s Committee had utilized the available items for the Prairie Region Women s Conference but fortunately the CLC representative, Darla Leard, gave us her swag, so we had yo yos, mini footballs and chip bag clips to hand out. Despite the weather ( Regina cancelled their bbq the wussies) there were a surprising number of people attending. At our September meeting we learned that the UNDE executive had decided to react to plans by National Defense to privatize projects on the bases. We will be focusing our fight back campaign on this issue and plan to follow UNDE s lead and to lobby our local M.P.s when UNDE gives us the go ahead. In October we participated in a Habitat for Humanity Build. AESB branch of AAFC had organized a build in Sept. and Habitat only had one project available at the time which was probably why we

31 only had five members for our day. We spent the day shoveling gravel and dirt. However, it was necessary work and we made some useful contacts. At the Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11, Karen Zoller, a member of Agr local who has a son serving in Afghanistan, laid a wreath on behalf of the AC. Marianne Hladun, Nancy Johnson and Jackie Nettleton attended the National Farmer s Union Convention in Saskatoon Dec We had a display which featured information on the Ag. Union s Safety Campaign, the Think Public Campaign and information on PSAC members contributions to environmental sustainability. A separate report on the convention was submitted to the RVP. On Dec. 16 the Regional Women s Committee and the Area Council sponsored an open house at the Regional Office. There was an excellent presentation by Aids Saskatoon. The RWC has sponsored a donation drive for the past two years for this organization and collected donations from Saskatoon locals.

32 Shaun Brennand Regina Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 This report covers my activities from October 2010 to present: In October I attend the PRC meeting in Edmonton November, Ratification Votes in Regina. Travel to Calgary for PRC Meeting in January No new business to report at this time. Respectfully Submitted 11/01/06

33 Nina Kiviluoma Edmonton Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Since the last PRC Meeting the following is what I have done in my capacity as the Edmonton Area Council Representative to the PRC: Reviewed and made changes the Edmonton Area Council Bylaws Presented these Bylaw Changes at our AC AGM Participated in regular Area Council Meetings I was active in the local with giving information to members on the Ratification Vote and the new Treasury Board Agreements. If you have any questions regarding the content of this report please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. In Solidarity, Nina Kiviluoma PRC Edmonton Area Council Representative

34 Alec Goertzen Calgary Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Well, well Brothers and Sisters. Since I was not able to submit a report to the September Prairie Region Council (PRC) meeting (my first) I hope you won t mind if I go a bit farther back than just the last 3 months... therefore this report is submitted for the period of June to December June Since being acclaimed into the position of PRC Rep for Calgary Area Council (CAC), I ve taken some time to familiarize myself with the role of CAC President, as well as finding out what needs were being missed or lacking. In consulting with Calgary Regional Reps, I ve decided to make communication to component & locals a priority for their involvement to the CAC. A strategy will be worked on and consults with Calgary Regional Reps. attended 1 day session at the Calgary Regional Office Fight Back Campaign. PSAC has prepared a campaign it to help components & activists engage members in the Budget Fight Back. This was also an opportunity to capitalize on the communications strategy for CAC to make contact with component reps/presidents for their involvement and input. began preliminary planning to get involved with Calgary District Labor Council s 2 nd Annual Labor Day BBQ in September. July volunteered at Calgary HRC s organized Rides n Rods fundraiser & awareness for Calgary Handibus participated in meetings with PSAC Calgary, Calgary HRC, and Calgary RWC on the Labor Day BBQ food donations, PSAC giveaways, displays. August more planning meetings for Labor Day BBQ participated in teleconference regarding locations developments for the Prairie Region Convention (June 2011) September Labour Day Barbeque on September 6th at Olympic Plaza. This event is sponsored & coordinated by the Calgary District Labor Council and is hosted by Calgary Unions (i.e. UFCW, ATU, AUPE, AFL, etc.). PSAC has included intensive planning several meetings and outreach for donations for the event. Working with the Calgary Committees to host a booth with out 10 x 10 Gazebo and a display on Labor History, and Alberta Womens Labor History. An appearance was made by Buddy the Bear from CBSA/CIU, giveaways such as childrens fingerprint kits from RCMP/USGE, colouring books, crayons, entertainment, some trinket give aways, UPCE petition, free cookies and information promoting public services. Was interviewed by Alberta Labor History Institute (ALHI) regarding PSAC CAC actions and future campaigns, for an video they are preparing and presenting during their 100 th Anniversary Year celebrations in 2012.

35 meeting of Area Council was held Sept 14 and seeing a need to be visible in community events, motioned was granted to pursue research into new banners/roll ups, windsocks, that would identify PSAC CAC; this would be with a view to include and the other Calgary Committees to ensure best pricing. Once research finalized, a budget and approval request would be presented to Regional office attended first PRC meeting in Edmonton (1 of 2 days) participated in tele conference call, with Tracy Thor, as volunteer to Convention Host Committee November participated in 2 nd tele conference call, with Tracy Thor in Winnipeg Regional office, as volunteer to Convention Host Committee preplanning for Festive Open House at PSAC office in December December attended an information / planning session on Dec 16 th hosted by Calgary Chapter of Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC). This was sparked by a Nov.27 article in the Calgary Herald ( Time to boost CPP ) regarding CPP reform. The session had a discussion panel with representatives from CURC, AFL, and Canada Labor Congress Alberta office (CLC) to present the CLC s Labor Plan for CPP, which was already getting support from 7 of the provinces, and as of late many Canadian municipalities. An informative session and Q&A followed. Festive Open house at PSAC office Dec 15 Respectfully submitted. In solidarity, Brother Alec Goertzen Calgary Area Council PRC Member

36 David Pearson Lethbridge Area Council Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Since from my last report in March 2009, the Lethbridge Area Council has become more active in local issues expressly after our elections in October 2009, where I was re elected as the secretary/treasurer, Sister Lorna Selinger as vice president and Brother Greg Krokosh as president. Brother Krokosh is also the Area Council s representative on the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. I have been attending the Lethbridge Labour Council as my Local representative. Over this pass year, the Labour Council has started to fill the vacancies on various City of Lethbridge committees where labour has a seat and becoming more active as locals have becoming members and sending representatives. From talking with other representatives on the Labour Council, House of Labour is sailing in the same boat. Over the summer, I was not very active, expect for mobilizing my local around the PSAC Think Public and Defending Quality Public Services campaigns and the Agriculture Union s Food Safety First campaign. I have been trying to try different techniques in mobilizing the members and what I have found: the issues must have resonance with them (one on one communication helps in achieving this) and the action has to fall within their comfort zone. With that said, I have realized that most members will do something for our causes when asked. I applied and was accepted to PSAC Union Development Program in the fall. I would say if you have the opportunity to take it do so. From this course, I made alliances with the local Amnesty International branch and Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank. The local Amnesty International branch has a strong human rights stance and also a strong local anti racism and antidiscrimination circle. The Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank will be the recipient of the vegetables from our food bank garden. Talking with their director; they have tools for schools program and the Area Council is lending towards the Interfaith program when we start this project later this spring. The Union Development Program taught me many skills and from this course, each local I believe should have an Alliance Facilitator(s) within their membership with a strong active facilitators network. In February, the REVP of the Prairies, Sister Benson, held a strategy session with the Area Council. From this strategy session, the Area Council appears to be leaning towards women and human right issues, as this is where the energy is. Lethbridge Area Council was one many sponsors of Womanspace Lethbridge (a community based women's organization which aims to respect and reflect the diversity of women and carry out research and initiate policy changes at both the local and provincial level in order to improve the status and further the political, social and economic equality of women in the community) International Women s Day activities, and with Lethbridge Labour Council and with other local unions we are sponsoring Maria Dunn s GWG: Piece by Piece (a multimedia piece depicting the experiences of immigrant women who worked in Edmonton's GWG clothing factory) this summer at the Galt Museum. Lethbridge Area Council organized a pension townhall in March; we had Brother Infantino (PSAC Pension and Benefits Officer) and Sister J Deuw (a senior from the Lethbridge Seniors Organization) as speakers. Sister Deuw spoke the importance of pensions expressly for single pensioners, single parent families and most importantly women. She spoke of the poverty of

37 seniors and the audience was moved. Brother Infantino spoke of the Public Service Pension, the attacks on our pensions, PSAC pension campaign, and the Canadian Labour Congress pension plan. In April, I attended the Leadership Phase II in Regina and in June I attended Southern Alberta Budget Fightback Campaign Meeting in Lethbridge. From these two meetings, the Area Council is developing a strategic plan. During the summer I have been busy with the PSAC Local Food Bank Garden. We have so donated over 2000lbs of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, lettuce, beans, carrots, peas, and herbs. The Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, whom the food was grew for, price each pound of food to be worth two Dollars. There are plans to expand the garden from 4500 square feet to 6000 square feet, since we had lots involvement from PSAC members and from the general public (we had more workers than space). The local Agriculture Union took the lead on this project. They received seed money from the Agriculture Union Social Justice Fund, a local greenhouse donated the bedding plants (tomatoes, peppers and eggplants) and Agriculture Canada allows use of their land and resources (water, equipment for the land prep work and compost for nutrients). This is the first year after many years of hiatuses, the Lethbridge and District Labour Council with sponsorship from other union local and the Lethbridge Area Council sponsor a Labour Day event. The Event was a presentation by Maria Dunn called GWG: Piece by Piece. For those who would to know more, Piece by Piece is a musical multimedia piece that features original songs by Maria Dunn, and guests. The songs are interwoven with audiovisual material depicting the experiences of immigrant women who worked in the Edmonton s GWG clothing factory over its 93 year history. We had over 200 people watched and listened to the presentation; I would say if anyone who has a chance to view it, it was well worth it. In October 2009, I was re elected as the secretary/treasurer, Sister Lorna Selinger as vicepresident and Brother Greg Krokosh as president for the Lethbridge Area Council. Brother Krokosk is also the Area Council s representative on the Lethbridge and District Labour Council. The area Council at this meeting over the spring, we will promote Tools to Schools program, but through the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, First Day at School Program. We felt this is a better use of our resources as they only require school supplies and they will create kits for their clients. We are busy creating the material for the program. I visited my MP constituency office in November to talk to my MP about pension reform (I did not have an appointment) and he was not home but I did talk to his assistant about pension reform and how important it is and that the Government must follow the CLC lead in this and reminder her to tell the MP that pensioners vote at a higher percentage that other groups and if the they that the government is not treating them nicely and if they felt that their grandkids will be worst off that they are in their golden years, they will choose a government that would. Respectfully Submitted Brother Dave Pearson

38 Fran Mohr Directly Chartered Locals Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 In September I attended the PRC meeting in Edmonton. Ever since the Strike we have had one issue after another so it has been a full time job just dealing with all of these issues. In December, Pat graciously came to Regina to help us try and get a handle on some of these things. Pat and Lisa the Regional Office Rep met with Blaine Pilatzke and Gerry Fisher on our behalf. We were all so hopeful that we could get some of this stuff cleared up and in the beginning it looked like that was going to happen so I guess its just a waiting game now. I really don't have much more to say right now I am still trying to deal with a lot of post strike issues. submitted by Fran Mohr DCL Rep for the prairies

39 Alisha Bigelow Aboriginal Peoples Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 I attended the Vigil at the MB Legislative Building on October 4, 2010 to honour Missing and Murder Women. At this Vigil I had the honor of meeting Jaime Black, a local Winnipeg visual artist, at a vigil. Jamie's goal is to collect over 500 red dresses, one for every missing or murdered aboriginal woman across Canada. She will be displaying the dresses across downtown Winnipeg to honour the murdered & missing women in Canada. In Manitoba alone, there are more than 170 missing or murdered women many of whom are Aboriginal. In support of her campaign the Winnipeg Regional Office and myself sent a call out to collect RED dresses for Jaime s Campaign in which Sister Deanna Kimball was able to drop her off a box of dresses from PSAC Sisters. Attended the discrimination workshop in Winnipeg Nov This conference was put on by the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the theme was Circle of Awareness Cycle of Growth around Aboriginal issues. Guest speakers including Chief Phil Fontaine focused on employment issues, hiring initiatives, discrimination on human rights, suicide rates in Aboriginal Communities, youth program and initiatives, the need for adequate schools, poverty, missing and murdered Aboriginals, the long term effects of Residential Schools are some of the topics discussed. I attended a meeting in Ottawa for the NAPC. Here are a few highlights of the meeting: We went to the Senate to sit on the Senate committee meeting on Bill C 3 regarding the Sharon McIvor Case. A few circle members were able to met her and offer her NAPC's and PSAC s continued support. We had two guest speakers from Columbia and to hear their plea to save the Aboriginal Communities in Columbia. The Government is not doing much to save the land, resources and culture of these diverse Aboriginal Communities and they are slowly becoming extinct. A lot of the young males are being taken from the communities to fight with the "gorilla's" and they rarely return back to their communities. We talked about the upcoming NAPC conference being held in Yellowknife in September 2011 and ensuring we are getting our reports prepared from each region for the final report. We also discussed the NAPC promotional material and video that will be made for when Circle members and allies do presentations at meetings or AGMs that there is a common package to be used (ie pamphlets, videos, business cards and power point). The majority of the NAPC circle members also attended the rise up conference held by the CLC in Ottawa immediately following the Circle meeting. It was an excellent conference to attend and a way to get solidarity for well needed causes. On the floor I raised the issue of 90% of First Nation Committees are on boil water advisory or have no water at all. My suggestion is to get empty water bottles and fill with water from a reserve or Aboriginal Community you visited, mark the place, date on the bottle and if possible the price of that bottled water on the back of the

40 label. I always put have a drink with me! Once this is done, send it off to your MP or Health Canada or Indian Affairs to get the message water is a necessity!! I still maintain and update the NAPC Facebook Website.

41 Frank Lloyd Persons with Disabilities Rep Prairie Region Council January 2011 Nov 17 Dec 7 Dec 8 11 Dec 15 Dec 15 Dec 21 Jan 04 Jan 21 Attended the Edmonton Human Rights meeting as the Persons With Disabilities Representative. Assisted as a worker at the Inglewood Annual Festive Christmas Dinner serving food to people who are not as fortunate as the general population. Was a delegate at the CLC rise up for your rights conference, as the title suggests the conference was focusing on what new legislation was being tabled by the government and its impact on your human rights. Participated in a Conference call with the members of the PRC Attended the annual general meeting for the election of officers for the Edmonton Human Rights committee and the Edmonton Area Council. Arrived to find it had been postponed due to inclement weather. Attended the Edmonton Human Rights committee and the Edmonton Area Council annual general meeting Attended the planning meeting for the Edmonton Human Rights committee Attended the planning meeting for the Edmonton Area Council

42 Timothy Hunt GLBT Representative Prairie Region Council January 2011 Timothy J. Hunt - GLBT Representative Prairie Region Council PSAC Prairie Region Public Service Alliance of Canada res bus cell E work > Timothy.Hunt@cbsa asfc.gc.ca E Mail:@ home > Timothy64@shaw.ca Residence Address: #501, Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 0H4 September 23 rd to January 28 th, 2010 Report to PRC Pride Parade in the Prairies Calgary September 05, 2010 Joined forces with the AFL to open a table of information during the parade festivities (note: it was 7 degrees wet cold that day!!) Participated in the 2 nd Annual Labour Day BBQ, we (myself, Area Council, Regional Women s / Human Rights Committees) used this opportunity to do a Think Public information booth and offered to pay for the condiments for the event from the Human Rights Committee budget. PSAC Members Volunteer in the Community Sept. 06th Attended meetings in Edmonton on Mondays October 18 th and November 29 th, working on a Human Rights Conference in Calgary for February 2011.

43 December 08 th 11 th (Ottawa) Attended the CLC Rise Up For your Human Rights conference held at the Westin in Ottawa. I was one of over 175 PSAC members attending from across Canada. Many different topics were presented. Networking was rampant, and old friendships were strengthened! International Human Rights Day Friday December 10 th, 2010 Project Mobility Did you know campaign starts, these cards are handed out to members across Calgary, management takes notice!